Newsroom
In a recent article by Kathimerini journalist Maria Eracleous, the spotlight is on Larnaca's burgeoning tourism sector, with a particular focus on the Accor Group's inaugural venture in the city.
Accor Group's inaugural hotel in Larnaca, formerly Michael's Beach Hotel, debuted in the summer of 2023 under the renowned Mercure brand. The move is seen as a vote of confidence in Larnaca's potential, especially after port and marina upgrades and additional investments in tourism. Solaar Hospitality, the same investor, is set to open a second Mercure hotel in Larnaca, named Mercure Larnaca City Hotel, targeting business tourism and scheduled to open in May 2024. This city hotel will feature nine floors, 42 rooms (including six suites), a sky bar, a swimming pool, and a restaurant open to the public.
Moreover, Solaar Hospitality plans a third venture in Zenon town, potentially converting Chrystal Palace into a boutique hotel with seven luxury rooms, slated to open in 2025. The EBRD notes Larnaca's growing appeal for tourism investment, with the city maintaining substantial growth potential, as demonstrated by the ongoing procedures for the Holiday Inn Express and Palm Beach lift. Several renowned hotel chains like Radisson and Intercontinental also eye Larnaca for future openings.
According to ETAP Larnaca officer Nana Asmeni Pavlou, Larnaca's tourism sector is witnessing increased interest from local and foreign investors, contributing to both quantity and quality growth. The EBRD supports initiatives converting city center buildings into boutique hotels, preserving the city's architectural heritage. Larnaca, with approximately 12% of pancyprian tourist arrivals, is becoming an attractive year-round destination, expecting a boost in foreign visitors, particularly in sports, conferences, and incentive tourism. The city's appeal for branded hotels further solidifies its position as a promising tourist destination.
